Telstra outage chaos; Australia's tourism struggle; workplace dating taboo

Perth rental crisis deepens with second-highest prices

Perth's rental market has become the second most expensive in Australia, with median rent reaching $750 per week following a 3.5% increase in the June quarter. The city recorded the nation's largest annual rent increase of more than 10% or $77, while vacancy rates remain critically low at just over 1%. Property experts warn that recent changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax could trigger an investor exodus, potentially driving rental prices even higher as supply continues to decline. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Labor announces candidate for Warnbro seat

WA Labor has announced Georgia Tree as its candidate for the Warnbro seat following Paul Papalia's resignation as Defence Industries and Corrective Services Minister. Tree, a political staffer and author raised in Warnbro, will face competition from Liberal and One Nation candidates in the upcoming by-election. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Massive tobacco bust after Fremantle police chase

A high-speed chase through Fremantle ended with police discovering a major illegal tobacco operation, seizing 46,000 cigarettes, $7,000 cash and hundreds of vapes. Four men aged between 24 and 36 were arrested after their vehicle rammed a police car and fled from detectives in Paddy Troy Mall. The organised crime squad is investigating potential links between the alleged tobacco syndicate members and local outlaw motorcycle gangs. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Fremantle tobacco bust after police chase; Secret Harbour by-election; Perth rent surge

A high-speed police chase through Fremantle has uncovered a major illegal tobacco operation, with organised crime squad officers seizing 46,000 cigarettes, $7,000 cash and hundreds of vapes after a police car was rammed. Four men aged 24 to 36 have been arrested and charged for allegedly possessing a commercial quantity of prohibited products, with police investigating potential links to outlaw motorcycle gangs. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Outage death probe; dog attack accused wanted; Prospect shop smash

A South Australian family has reported a death allegedly linked to the Telstra outage's impact on triple zero access, prompting a police investigation. Liberal Senator Kerrynne Liddle publicly disclosed the claim but did not initially report it to authorities, drawing criticism from police and political opponents. Telstra is working with police to determine if any connection exists between the incident and yesterday's nationwide network failure. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.